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James Madison

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Autographs Start Price:NA Estimated At:4,000.00 - 6,000.00 USD
James Madison

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Auction Date:2010 Aug 11 @ 22:00 (UTC-5 : EST/CDT)
Location:5 Rt 101A Suite 5, Amherst, New Hampshire, 03031, United States
ALS - Autograph Letter Signed
ANS - Autograph Note Signed
AQS - Autograph Quotation Signed
AMQS - Autograph Musical Quotation Signed
DS - Document Signed
FDC - First Day Cover
Inscribed - “Personalized”
ISP - Inscribed Signed Photograph
LS - Letter Signed
SP - Signed Photograph
TLS - Typed Letter Signed
Philographically wonderful LS, one page, 7.5 x 9.5, August 17, 1832. Madison writes to Israel K. Tefft, Esquire, to verify the authenticity of George Washington’s signature on a letter. In full: “Your letter of July 31 enclosing a letter from Genl. Washington to Genl. McIntosh came duly to hand. The signature is certainly by Genl. Washington himself, and tis equally certain I think that the body of the letter is in the hand of another—the original draft having probably been retained and a copy of it sent as must have been frequently the case with him. In writing his name he did not differ from his other writing, and that, as I happen to know, underwent no change from the period of [17]83 till within a few years of his death.

I take this occasion to thank you for the several newspapers politely forwarded to me some time ago. They contained publications from able pens as well as on important subjects. I hazard nothing in the remark notwithstanding the slight attention to them permitted by the very impaired health under which I have long been labouring. I return the letter as desired with an offer of my cordial respects and good wishes.”

Simply double matted and framed with a small plaque, to an overall size of 14.5 x 17. In fine condition, with light intersecting folds, a few creases, and a uniform shade of mild toning.

The Father of the Constitution, the nation’s fourth president...and an autograph authenticator? Certainly a unique occurrence, a collector of long ago contacted Madison, then 81, to verify the authenticity of Washington’s signature on a letter. Intriguingly, Madison’s comments on Washington’s handwriting and signature are quite accurate, as they were very similar in style and changed little from the Revolutionary years to the end of his life. The letter referred to here, to General Lachlan McIntosh, most certainly dated to the war as most of his correspondence from that period, as noted here by Madison, was scripted by an aide and then signed by him. Incidentally, Tefft is considered one of the first autograph collectors in the country and helped found the Georgia Historical Society. Delightful content proving Madison’s keen eye in a most unexpected area.
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